Bathroom Energy Efficient Tips — That Don’t drain you
Energy efficiency can be a major motivating factor when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. Energy efficiency will help to reduce your carbon footprint as well as help you to save money on your utility bills each month. You can even incorporate energy efficiency into your bathroom, mostly through the choices you make for the features of your bathroom.
Do you want to make your bathroom more efficient? You may come across tips like “take shorter showers,” but these can also make living with your energy efficient bathroom a bit of a bummer. Here are some of our favorite, more livable energy efficient tips for the bathroom:
Look For More Energy Star Features
The fun of bathroom remodeling is picking out new features to fill your bathroom. When you do so, keep an eye out for the Energy Star label. Energy Star is a program branched off from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that measures the energy usage of various home appliances. Energy efficient products get the energy star label, signalling to consumers that this will boost their energy efficiency. Your bathroom remodeling contractor may also be able to help you choose energy efficient features, like some listed below.
Go Low-Flow
A low-flow showerhead will allow you to wash yourself thoroughly while using less water, thus helping you save money on your monthly water bill. Low flow showerheads can actually reduce water usage in the home by as much as 50%. A showerhead is a relatively minor fix when it comes to your bathroom, so it could be a smart choice if you’re on a budget. You can also switch to a low-flow toilet. A faucet aerator is a great idea, too, as it mixes water with air so you use less water but feel little difference in pressure.
Fix Leaks Right Away
Leaks in your bathroom are pesky, but they can also drive up your water usage…and therefore water costs. If you notice a leak at the back of your toilet or a leaky faucet or showerhead, don’t hesitate to fix it. You may be able to tighten the offending feature with a wrench, but if you’re not certain you can repair it, it might be a good time to call in a handyman. Staying on top of your repairs is a great way to boost your home’s comfort as well as energy efficiency.
Switch To LED Lights
LED lights use roughly 80% less energy than standard lightbulbs. They’re commonly being used as an alternative to standard lightbulbs, and they’re particularly helpful when it comes to bathroom lighting. Install LED lights over the bathroom vanity or as the overhanging light for the entire space. These lights will last longer and help to drive down your energy bills in the months and years to come.
Use Motion Sensors For Lights
You’ve no doubt come across motion sensors for lighting in public or commercial restrooms. However, they’re becoming more popular when it comes to residential bathrooms, as well. These lights will come on when someone walks into the bathroom and flicker off when they leave. There are also timers that can be used for lighting that will also help to drive down energy usage. These are a great option if you have a big family who goes in and out of the bathroom often, not always remembering to turn the light off when they leave.
Replace Your Windows
Often, bathrooms have at least one window both to add light into the room and to offer ventilation. However, bathrooms can be the most humid space in your home because of the steam from the hot water, which can wear down your window. If you have an old window, you may be losing energy through that and developing drafts in your bathroom. When it comes to ordering a new window, make sure that you go with a truly energy efficient option, such as vinyl or fiberglass.
A More Efficient Bathroom Fan
A bathroom fan is a necessity if you want a comfortable bathroom that doesn’t develop mold or mildew. However, the wrong bathroom fan can cause a spike in energy usage. Consider looking for specifically energy efficient, Energy Star rated bathroom fans to use in your bathroom. This way you won’t need to worry about the moisture or the humidity, but you also won’t have to worry about your energy bill for the next month.
Clean Any Vents
You’ll want to clean any vents, including the opening to your bathroom fan, once every couple of months. Doing this will make the air flow into the room with less disruption. When vents become clogged or fan blades become heavy, these elements of the home have to work harder in order to make the space more comfortable…and this is reflected on your energy bills. By doing regular maintenance, you can reduce the risk of your energy bill going up by too much.
When you choose an experienced bathroom professional, you can be sure to find various methods and features for energy efficiency that can be added to your bathroom. Fortunately, Robbins Construction has more than 15 years of local experience in bathroom remodels and is here to help you. Contact us today for more information or to get started with a free, no-pressure quote.
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